The Ascaso Steel Uno Versatile is basically the same amazing home espresso machine as the Ascaso Steel Uno Professional except that it features a smaller brass boiler (only 225cc) and also a 57mm portafilter grouphead. The three-way solenoid valve in this espresso machine only serves to relieve the pressure in the grouphead immediately after the extraction is complete. However, by design, it will not dry the extracted puck as well as the Professional version of this machine. On the other hand, this machine does a much better job using E.S.E. espresso coffee pods when compared to the Professional version.

There is approximately 30-60 second wait time to go from coffee mode to steam mode after pressing the steam switch in. After steaming milk, the user can press the steam switch out. After placing a cup under the steam wand, the user can rotate the steam knob to the on position, and the pump will automatically activate so that the 'too hot steamed water' exits and the temperature of the boiler can be brought down to make additional espresso. This steam knob feature in coffee mode makes it very practical for preparing Cafe Americanos.


Features:

• Brushed stainless steel finished body over a black enamel painted steel frame


• Water reservoir removable from top of machine after removal of water reservoir cover - there is a metal bar on top of water reservoir. This bar sits horizontally along the top of the reservoir and also holds two hoses - the longer hose is the intake hose with a particle filter on the end and the short hose which ends at the metal bar is the air release valve exit tube. If you purchase the optional water softener, the particle filter needs to be removed from the longer hose


• Low water reservoir cut-off: when water reservoir is near empty, the cut-off switch will not allow power to the heating element nor the pump. This avoids costly damage


• Brass boiler capacity: ~225cc


• Brass boiler is located directly over the brass grouphead


• Brass filter handle with plastic grip


• Gauge on front panel reads temperature range of boiler and allows user to find right temeprature for the coffee grind at hand. This feature also allows for achieving repeatable results


• Slide out drip tray made of plastic for easy cleaning (please note drip tray cover is part of machine) Front portion of pull out drip tray is in brushed stainless steel


• Three selection switches: power on/off, espresso extracting, and coffee/steam mode


• Vent in top rear of machine allows heat near water reservoir to escape


• Blue lights indicate power, heating, and no water (lights from left to right)


• Three-way solenoid valve allows the immediate removal of the filter handle when the espresso extraction is completed (The three way valve also allows the user to backflush the grouphead)


• Swivel based steam wand allows easy rotation of steam wand over steaming pitcher (recommended 20 oz or less) on counter or placement over drip tray


• Frothing aid attachment makes it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos (It is not recommended to remove this attachment to steam milk as the wand will be too short)


• Passive cup warmer on top with guardrail